Chapter 02 - Registration

This chapter provides the procedures for registration, both in person and in absentia. Pursuant to ASCA §6.0214(a), any person who desires to vote in local elections for the office of Representative to the House of Representatives (Fono), or for the offices of Governor/Lt. Governor, or for issue(s) placed on a ballot, must appear in person before an election officer to register.

Pursuant to ASCA §6.0214(d), uniformed services and overseas persons, who are unable to appear in person and who have not previously registered to vote in American Samoa, may register in absentia. However, such individuals, upon qualification, may only vote for the office of Delegate to the United States House of Representatives.

(a) “Uniformed services voters” includes a member of a uniformed service of the U.S. on active duty, or a merchant marine, who is otherwise qualified to vote in American Samoa, and who, by reason of such active duty or merchant marine service, is absent from American Samoa. This category also includes the spouse or dependent of the active duty uniformed service member/merchant marine.

(b) “Overseas voter” includes a uniformed service voter who, by reason of active duty or service, is absent from American Samoa on the date of the election; or a person who resides outside American Samoa, and was domiciled in American Samoa before leaving the Territory, and is qualified to vote in American Samoa; or a person who resides outside American Samoa, and (but for such residence) would be qualified to vote in American Samoa (the last place in which he was domiciled).

(a) Individuals who are physically present in American Samoa, and who desire to register to vote, must appear in person before an election officer.

(b) An application in the form of an affidavit, containing the following information, must be completed:

(1) name;

(2) Social Security number, if any;

(3) date of birth;

(4) current residence;

(5) place of current employment;

(6) a statement that the American Samoa residence was acquired with the

intent to make American Samoa the person’s legal residence with all the accompanying

obligations therein;

(7) that the person is a U.S. citizen or U.S. national;

(8) signature of the applicant; and

(9) sworn to before an election officer.

(b) Proof of qualifications and residency must be provided upon request by the Election Office. A list shall be posted in a public area of the Election Office, specifying those documents that are acceptable as proof of qualifications and residency. Copies of such documentation must be maintained in the qualified voter’s file.

(a) Uniformed services voters and overseas voters may register to vote for the office of Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives without having to appear before an election officer in American Samoa.

(b) An application to register must be in writing. The application must contain the following information:

(1) name;

(2) Social Security number, if any;

(3) date of birth;

(4) residence in American Samoa;

(5) current mailing address outside of American Samoa;

(6) place of current employment;

(7) a statement that the American Samoa residence was acquired with the intent to make American Samoa the person’s legal residence with all the accompanying obligations therein;

(8) that the person is a U.S. citizen or U.S. national;

(9) signature of the applicant; and

(10) sworn to by a notary public, commissioned officer, consular officer or other authorized person.

(c) An application to register need not be on any specific form or in any specific format. The following forms are also acceptable for voter registration:

(1) Federal Post Card Application; and

(2) any other form prescribed by the National Voter Registration Act.

(d) An application to register must be mailed or FAX’ed directly to the Election Office. If a facsimile medium is utilized, the application must be mailed after it is FAX’ed.

(e) Proof of qualifications and domiciliary must be provided upon request by the Election Office. The request by the Election Office may specify the type of documents that are acceptable as proof of qualifications and domiciliary. Copies of such documentation must be maintained in the qualified voter’s file.

(a) Any previously qualified voter whose name has been removed from the Official Roll of registered voters may apply to have his name restored in the Official roll.

(b) When a previously qualified voter appears in person before an election officer to re-register, he must complete and sign a new registration application. Copies of documentation that previously established the voter’s qualifications, and that is maintained in the voter’s file, may be utilized to establish the voter’s qualifications. However, the Election Office may require further proof of residency.

(c) When a previously qualified voter who is not present in American Samoa requests in writing to re-register, the election officer must compare the signature in the written request to that contained in the voter’s file. If the signatures do not match, the Election Office may require further proof from the applicant. If the signatures match, the Election Office must complete a new registration application with the updated information received from the applicant. Copies of documentation that previously established the voter’s qualifications and domiciliary in American Samoa, and that is maintained in the voter’s file, are sufficient to reestablish the voter’s qualifications.